Clark became the NCAA women’s basketball’s all-time leading scorer

Caitlin Clark. PHOTO: MATTHEW HOLST/GETTY

Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark received an outpouring of messages on Thursday night, congratulating her on becoming the NCAA women’s basketball’s all-time leading scorer.

Clark became the No. 1 all-time scorer with a deep three-pointer midway through the first quarter of the Hawkeyes’ game against the Michigan Wolverines. Iowa immediately called a timeout to allow for a moment of celebration, and then held a ceremony after the game to allow Clark and her fans time to fully bask in the accomplishment.

In an interview with ESPN , trailblazing former women’s tennis star Billie Jean King praised Clark as “one of the best” basketball players on the planet.

“She is the hottest star in basketball — all of basketball, and not just women’s basketball — and with that comes a heavy responsibility to be a leader on and off the court,” King, 80, said. “She gets it, and that is part of the reason she will have an opportunity to be one of the best in her sport and a role model for future generations.”

Caitlin Clark.MATTHEW HOLST/GETTY

In a video tribute , former Iowa teammates, NCAA officials, celebrities and some of the biggest stars in all of sports sent tributes in honor of Clark’s accomplishment.

“I just wanted to say congratulations on the record,” seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady said. “Like the rest of the country, I’ve been following along while you chase down my girl Kelsey [Plum, who previously held the NCAA women’s scoring record], but I know she’s proud of you too. We love witnessing greatness here. Keep your head down, go finish the job and I’ll be watching. Good luck!”

“Keep going and keep pushing,” nine-time WNBA All Star Brittney Griner  said, sending her congratulations. “Good luck.”

Caitlin Clark.MATTHEW HOLST/GETTY

Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard told Clark, “I’m a huge fan of your game.” He added, “Much respect to you, I like the way you do it… You’re a real killer.”

Sports broadcaster Lisa Byington said her career has helped erase gender gaps in women’s sports, saying she’s made many people “basketball fans” — not just men’s or women’s basketball fans. “That, along with this record, is part of your legacy,” Byington told Clark.

“Your contributions to women’s basketball are truly remarkable,” Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti added.

Caitlin Clark.MATTHEW HOLST/GETTY

Former teammates Kathleen Doyle, Mckenna Warnock and Monika Czinano congratulated her with their own tribute videos. “You seriously never fail to amaze me,” Warnock said.

Clark even received congratulations from CBS Mornings host Gayle King , as well as Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis . “You did awesome!” Kunis said.

Two–time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning  said Clark has “inspired millions of other people” during her chase for the record, while his brother Eli Manning called it an “amazing accomplishment.

“It’s been so impressive to watch you perform throughout your career,” Manning said, joking, “Although, if I’m being honest, your accuracy from long range has made a lot of other quarterbacks look pretty bad.”

Clark broke the record by shooting a long-range three-point shot from nearly half court — a move that’s become her signature “logo shot” throughout her collegiate career.

“I don’t know if you can really script it any better,” Clark told ESPN after the game. “Just to do it in this fashion, I’m very grateful. Very thankful to be surrounded by so many people that have been my foundation.”